Pulmonary cement embolism after pedicle screw vertebral stabilization

Pulmonary arterial embolization of polymethylmethacrylate cement, most usually occurring after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is very uncommon following vertebral stabilization procedures. Unenhanced CT scans viewed at lung window settings allow confident identification of cement emboli in the pulmo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Massimo Tonolini, Roberto Bianco
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
Series:Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.onlinejets.org/article.asp?issn=0974-2700;year=2012;volume=5;issue=3;spage=272;epage=273;aulast=Tonolini
Description
Summary:Pulmonary arterial embolization of polymethylmethacrylate cement, most usually occurring after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is very uncommon following vertebral stabilization procedures. Unenhanced CT scans viewed at lung window settings allow confident identification of cement emboli in the pulmonary circulation along with possible associate parenchymal changes, whereas hyperdense emboli may be less conspicuous on CT-angiographic studies with high-flow contrast medium injection. Although clinical manifestations are largely variable from asymptomatic cases to severe respiratory distress, most cases are treated with anticoagulation.
ISSN:0974-2700